GardenCraft
Before Hiring a Landscaper
Over the past two decades, the landscaping industry has experienced significant growth and transformation, influenced by economic shifts, consumer preferences, and environmental considerations. Here's an overview of the industry's evolution along with a few tips and tricks to help you as a consumer avoid any bad experiences:
Industry Growth and Economic Contribution
Consumer Spending Trends
Market Dynamics and Forecasts
Industry Challenges and Adaptations
Challenges as a Consumer to Be Aware Of
Industry Growth and Economic Contribution
2005-2019: The UK's ornamental horticulture and landscaping sector made a substantial economic impact, contributing an estimated £28.2 billion to the national GDP by 2019. This period saw the industry supporting approximately 674,200 jobs across the country.
2012-2019: The revenue for landscape service activities in the UK experienced growth during this period, reflecting increased demand for landscaping services.
Consumer Spending Trends
2005-2023: UK households have shown a consistent interest in gardening, with collective spending on retail garden products reaching around £8 billion in 2023. This indicates a sustained investment in garden aesthetics and maintenance over the years.
2020: Annual expenditure on gardening, plants, and flowers in the UK accounted for approximately £6.2 billion, showing year-over-year growth and highlighting the importance of gardening in household spending.
Market Dynamics and Forecasts
2019-2024: The number of businesses in the UK landscaping services industry reached 24,301, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% between 2019 and 2024.
2024-2025: Revenue in the UK landscaping services industry is forecasted to experience a compound annual decline of 4.1%, reaching £7.2 billion. However, a growth of 3.3% is expected in 2024-2025, with an anticipated profit increase of 15.2% in that period.
Industry Challenges and Adaptations
2025: The UK landscaping industry is adapting to evolving health and safety regulations, with a focus on construction safety, flexible working models, technological advancements, mental health awareness, and sustainability. Organizations are encouraged to proactively prepare for these changes to foster safer and more productive workplaces.
Challenges as a consumer to Be Aware Of
Over the past two decades, the UK landscaping industry has witnessed a concerning rise in fraudulent activities, leading to numerous negative customer experiences.
In this section we have outlined different tactics to help you avoid being scammed.
Increase in Landscaping Scams
2023: A landscape gardener in Suffolk pleaded guilty to multiple offenses, defrauding victims of thousands of pounds.
Financial Impact on UK Consumers
2023: Scams accounted for 0.4% of the UK's GDP, with £11.4 billion lost, and an average loss per victim of £1,443.
Prevalence of Fraud in the UK
2023: Fraud represented over 40% of all crimes in England and Wales, making it the most commonly experienced crime in the UK.
Notable Cases in the Landscaping Industry
2023: A Yorkshire landscape gardener admitted to fraud by false representation, taking payments from customers for incomplete work, totaling £11,758.
2023: A husband-and-wife team operating as SDL Landscaping Limited were convicted of fraud and aggressive commercial practices after receiving over £50,000 for substandard and incomplete work.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed?
✔️ Always check reviews and verify credentials.
✔️ Avoid landscapers who demand large upfront payments.
✔️ Get a detailed contract outlining the work.
✔️ Beware of cheap, too-good-to-be-true quotes.
✅ Always research
✅ Ask for references
✅ Get everything in writing
✅ Never pay upfront in full
❌ Unbelievably Cheap Prices – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many scammers offer low quotes, only to disappear with your money or do a rushed, poor-quality job.
❌ Cash-Only Deals & No Paperwork – A professional landscaper will always provide written quotes, invoices, and contracts. If they insist on cash payments with no traceable records, 🚩 red flag! 🚩
❌ Pushy Sales Tactics – Beware of “landscapers” who pressure you into making an immediate decision. They may claim, “This deal is only available today” to rush you into paying before you have time to check their credentials.
These developments underscore the importance for consumers to exercise caution when hiring landscaping services, thoroughly research potential providers, and remain vigilant against fraudulent activities.